Every process in this course helps me in my marriage, my life, and my work.
- Daniel Scrafford
2022 PACT Global Level 1 Online Training
Join a growing global community of couple therapists who have experienced the power of PACT.
In PACT Level 1 Online Training, you will learn the fundamentals of the PACT methodology and how to lead even your most challenging couples toward secure-functioning relationships.
Based on a unique integration of the latest research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and the biology of human arousal, you’ll discover PACT’s dynamic, practical, and effective mind-body approach to couple therapy.
There’s no need to feel overwhelmed working with couples! You can enjoy your work with couples knowing the PACT methodology is solidly grounded in science and research and also allows you the flexibility to get creative in the therapy room. Gain confidence knowing how and when to work more deeply with difficult couples.
High-Level Training
While PACT Level 1 is a foundational course, it is still a rigorous training program. You will have a number of reading assignments and videos to watch even before the first meeting, and you will have assignments between course modules. These required assignments allow you to clarify your understanding of PACT principles and participate more meaningfully while in the live training with instructors and colleagues.
High-Level Participation
PACT is an experiential model of therapy. As a PACT therapist, you must bring your whole self into the therapy room -- face, mind, body, voice. When learning PACT, you must do the same in class -- as an engaged, active participant.
PACT Level 1 is a highly participatory training. Students get the most out of the training when they engage with their peers and colleagues. The focus and value of the live training is in the practice of new skills and receipt of constructive, respectful feedback.
PACT training encompasses demonstrations, small group processing, large group processing, and role playing, in which you will play the role of therapist as well as member of a couple. Participation in these exercises is required, and video cameras must be on throughout the training.
We understand everyone is different. However, only those who are willing to be active learners and participate in the exercises should register for the training. For example, if you recognize that you are someone who is generally reticent to participate and prefers to sit back and watch activities rather than participate in them, this program will not be a good fit. Your active practice and participation are requirements to pass this course of study.
Our Inclusive Student Culture at the PACT Institute
Everything we do as PACT faculty and staff, we strive to do with kindness, empathy, and respect for all.
This year, we have renewed our commitment to serve systemically marginalized communities in the field of mental health including BIPOC and LGBTQI+ therapists. We’re truly honored to teach PACT to therapists with different backgrounds, lived experience, and perspectives.
While PACT is a highly rigorous and experiential training, our instructors and staff strive to create safe and supportive learning environments. We expect PACT students to join us in wholehearted learning and in their support of a positive and inclusive student culture for all colleagues.
Rich Training Resources
PACT Level 1 training includes a comprehensive training manual and an extensive library of videos that accompany each module. Take advantage of these resources before, during, and after training.
When you register, you gain access to course materials so you can watch the videos in advance and fully prepare for the live training. This will help you remain focused and on-topic so you are ready to engage with the material -- and your colleagues in class -- and remember what you learn. Watching the videos at your own pace also helps cut down on screen fatigue.
As a student, you’ll have access to PACT Training Assistants and opportunities in between modules to ask questions and get answers to real-life issues. You’ll also have access to the PACT video library for an entire year. That way you can go back and watch any video even after the training, especially if you want to review a specific concept or see an intervention in action again.
Experienced Teachers
Each PACT instructor brings years of experience teaching PACT principles and skills, along with a passion for supporting clinicians and helping couples thrive. PACT Level 1 training is taught by:
Here’s the value you receive with PACT Level 1 Online Training:
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Four 2-day, live online training sessions (40 hours of live training)
- 24 hours of online video material to watch on your own so you can hit the ground running in the live sessions. Then, watch (and re-watch) at your own pace when you want to review the content again.
- Assessment strategies to quickly determine partners’ attachment styles
- Interventions that really work – learn when and how to use them
- Clinical video presentations and case enactments designed to help you see PACT in action
- Experiential exercises and small group discussion and practice to help you integrate PACT techniques into your clinical practice
- Opportunities to ask questions and get answers to real-life issues
- Digital copy of the PACT training manual
- One year of access to the PACT Institute’s video library, including recordings from the live training and 34 PACT training videos that demonstrate new techniques and skills
- Membership in an online discussion group, giving you the opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world
- 40 CE hours sponsored by APA, NYSED and NBCC
Early Sign Up Advantage
Sign up now for PACT Level 1 training to gain access to course materials as soon as they are available -- including the PACT manual and video library -- so you can be prepared for the live training.
Because of the work we know you need to do before the first module, we will close registration two weeks before the start of Level 1 training.
Seats are limited, so sign up early to ensure your spot.
The PACT Institute Scholarships
The C. Nathan Bergeron Memorial Scholarship
The C. Nathan Bergeron Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 in honor of Nathan Bergeron, who studied PACT with Stan Tatkin and was a beloved member of the PACT community. Nathan was a caring and insightful therapist, committed to his clients’ health and well-being in mind, body, and spirit.
Nathan died in 2020 after suffering a stroke. A guiding principle in Nathan’s life was a commitment to honor human diversity and sexuality. To recognize his dedication, this scholarship in Nathan’s memory seeks to support and encourage clinicians who demonstrate a similar commitment to empower all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or ability.
Candidates who apply for any PACT Institute Scholarship will be considered for the C. Nathan Bergeron Memorial Scholarship, which will cover the full cost of their Level 1 or their Level 2 PACT training. In 2022, the PACT Institute will award one Bergeron Memorial Scholarship for Level 1 and one for Level 2. Applicants do not need to complete a separate application to be considered for this scholarship.
2022 PACT Global Level 1 Days/Times
Plan ahead for 2022. Join PACT Level 1 Online Training in one of two different cohorts.
Cohort 1 - REGISTRATION CLOSES JANUARY 15TH
Ideal for students in the US, Europe, and Turkey
January 29 – 30 | February 26 – 27 | April 9 –10 | June 4 – 5
All times are 7am - 12pm (Pacific)
Cohort 2 - REGISTRATION CLOSES JANUARY 22ND
Ideal for students in the US and Australia.
February 5 – 6 | March 5 – 6 | April 23 – 24 | June 11 – 12
All times are 2pm - 7pm (Pacific)
The PACT Institute offers a 20% discount for those who repeat Level 1. Please email us at [email protected] for details.
Train with your colleagues! We are offering a 15% discount for groups of 5 or more. Email [email protected] for details
Level 1 Prerequisites
PACT Level 1 training is intended for licensed and pre-licensed marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
To qualify for attendance in the PACT training, a pre-licensed clinician must (a) be in the final year of graduate school, (b) actively see clients as a supervisee and/or intern, and (c) have a supervisor’s approval to attend the training.
COACHES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR TRAINING.
Level 1 training is offered in English and Spanish. More information on training in Spanish is coming soon.
CE Eligibility Policy & Level 1 Completion
When you successfully complete Level 1 training, you can identify yourself as a PACT Level 1 clinician/therapist, indicating a strong foundation in PACT skills and principles.
To receive a status of PACT Level 1, along with a certificate of completion, and be eligible to move on to the next level of PACT training, students must attend training with their camera on and fully participate in all live training sessions and breakout room practices. Students must also complete all coursework in their student portal, including training videos and module quizzes.
To receive CE credit for PACT Level 1 training, students must attend all modules with their camera on and fully participate in all live training sessions and breakout room practices. Students must also complete all module quizzes in their student portal.
CE credits are awarded for the full training. As per accreditation board requirements, PACT is unable to offer partial CE credits for partial completion of the training.
"This remains the most impactful training I’ve had in my career. I had worried that the course would not translate well to online learning but it was exceptionally effective."
PACT Level 1 Online student in Los Angeles, CA
"I don’t think the [online] format handicapped us at all. The training weekend was much less expensive than traveling… and much less disruptive for both work and family time. I’d gladly sign onto this format again without any worry of loss of educational content or collegial experience. Many thanks to all! "
PACT Level 1 Online student in Boulder, CO
"This was such a powerful and useful training. I honestly feel like I am a better therapist because of it; with couples, sure, but also with individuals. "
PACT Level 1 Online student in Los Angeles, Ca
"Simply wonderful. Although we were in Zoom meetings, I experienced no sense of disconnection from Stan, Tracey or the other participants. The breakouts were fertile and novel learning experiences also. I was thoroughly impressed with the use of the technology, its efficiency and effectiveness."
PACT Level 1 Online student in Boulder, Co
Want to learn more? Check out our free Intro to PACT webinar.
In this free 90-minute webinar, you’ll learn:
- The three domains that inform PACT – arousal regulation, attachment theory, and developmental neuroscience – and how they all intersect.
- Why and how the PACT therapist takes a stand for secure-functioning relationships and what we mean by secure functioning.
- A useful model of attachment types – islands, anchors, and waves – and how these types relate to each other.
- Tools for assessment in your first session with couples.
CE Information
Level 1 training is sponsored by the PACT Institute (ACEP #6641, PCE #5551, and SW CPE #0104) for 40 continuing education hours.
New York Social Workers: PACT Institute SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0104.
New York Social Workers & Mental Health Practitioners: PACT Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0114.
Psychologists: The PACT Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.The PACT Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Licensed Educational Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Certified Counselors:
After completing Level 1 Online Training, you will be able to:
- Distinguish between the three PACT domains.
- Identify the parts of the brain central to social-emotional functioning.
- Identify visual and auditory recognitions for hypo arousal.
- Identify visual and auditory recognitions for hyper arousal.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills of arousal regulation assessment.
- Describe the significance of attachment to couple therapy.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills of attachment assessment.
- Describe the secure/insecure continuum.
- Distinguish between top-down and bottom-up interventions.
- Illustrate and distinguish the three different attachment styles.
- Explain and apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for attachment intervention.
- Explain and apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for arousal regulation intervention.
- Explain and apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for the basic PACT interviewing process.
- Describe and illustrate the elements of the therapeutic frame.
- Explain and practice the principles of therapist self-regulation.
- Distinguish the characteristics of disorganized attachment.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for management of thirds.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for collaborative narratives.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for corralling questions.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for bending metal.
- Describe the development of the social brain.
- Describe the neuroendocrine system.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for intervention with secure partners.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for intervention with avoidant partners.
- Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for interventions for angry resistant partners.
- Apply the principles and explain the limitations needed for working with disorganized partners
- Describe and appraise case conceptualization.
- Define and employ therapeutic alliance.
- Analyze arousal bias and attachment type.
- Explain and apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for working with high-arousal couples.
- Explain and apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for working with low-arousal couples.
- Explain and apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for working with high-low arousal couples.
- Explain and apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for working with dysregulated couples.
- Integrate the domains of arousal regulation and attachment.